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Dolly Travers' 
Inheritance 




A FLANAGAN COMPANY CHICAGO 



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A. FLANAGAN COMPANY: CHICAGO 



Dolly Tra vers' Inheritance 



H ipia? in Jfour Hcts 



BY 

LILIAN STAIR SCHREINER 

Author of - 

The Heavenly Twins 



A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 
CHICAGO 






'l%^\','\- 



COPYRIGHT, 1915, BY A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 



TMP96-00T323 
0>CI.D 42534 



QIC -6 1915 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Elliot McDoweli • In search of a gold mine. 

Tom Deering . . . . • " Only a Boy. ' ' 

Dick Snodgrass • The grocer's assistant. 

Maurice Seymocr, Esq The family solicitor. 

Hans Von Unterwalden In search of a sweetheart. 

Jack Mugwump A tramp. 

j\Irs. Travers. . . . • • . .Early education neglected. 

Janet Denton A "new woman." 

Elize Denton. • .A ''rose of yesterday." 

Gretchen Lindenstrasse Just from the "Fatherland." 

Dollie Travers • . . . . "Sech a child, you know." 

Butler, servants, and characters in mask ball. 



SYNOPSIS 

Act I — Library of the Travers home, an evening in June. 
The mysterious burglar. 

Act II — Garden of the Travers home, the morning after. 
An interrupted proposal. 

Act III — Library of the Travers home, the night of the Mask 
Ball, three weeks later. A plot frustrated. 

Act IV — Library of the Travers home, the next day. A birth- 
day party. 

Time — The present 

Time of Presentation — About two hours 



COSTU:\IES 

Elliot ^McDowell: Very stylish business suit, eye glass, 
and cane. Courtier's dress of the Elizabethan period in 
mask-ball scene. 

Tom Deering: Evening clothes in first act. Any desired 
masquerade suit in mask ball scene. Young man's suit in 
other acts. Rather careless in api)earance. 

Dick Snodgrass: Grocery boy's costume, white apron, etc. 
Carries ba.sket, 

]\Iaurice Seymour : Business suit for elderly gentleman. 

HzVNS Von Unterwaldex: German immigrant's costume of 
the most pronounced type, wooden shoes, etc. 

Jack ]\Iug^vump : Tramp 's make-up and costume, over which 
is worn an old woman's skirt and shawl. Large bonnet 
drawn down over the face. Carries basket. 

Mrs. Travers : Evening gown with opera cloak in first part 
of Act I. In last part, dressing gown or kimono. Colonial 
costume in mask ball scene. In other acts, afternoon dress 
of elderly lady, but untidy and overdressed. 

Elize Denton : Evening gown with opera cloak in first part 
of Act I. Dressing gown or kimono in last part. In first 
part of Act II elaborately trimmed morning gown. In last 
part pink muslin dress, pink parasol, and hat with long 
plume. Any fancy dress costume in ball scene. In last part 
of Act IV, plain dark dress, and made up very pale. 

Janet Denton : Evening gown like the others in first part of 
Act I. Kimono in second part. Fancy dress in ball scene. 
In the other acts, a very plain street dress. 

Gretchen Lindenstrasse : Maid's costume, cap and apron. 
Light hair in plaits. Last part of first act, short striped 
petticoat with white nightgown over it. Nightcap. 

Dollie Travers : In first part of Act I, short gingham dress, 
having appearance of being out-grown. Apron if desired 
and hair tied with ribbons. Dressing gown or kimono in 
last part of Act I. In ball scene, a fancy costume of black 
chiffon or net spangled with stars, and short full skirt. Car- 
ries wand. In sleepwalking scene, nightgown. Hair down. 
In last act dress longer and hair done up but still childish 
in appearance. 



DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 



ACT I 

Library in the T ravers home. Handsomely furnished. An 
old fashioned desk in a conspicuous place. A wide arch- 
way covered by closed curtains at back, L. Entrance 
door at back, R. Couch R., facing front. Gretchen 
discovered standing L. 

Gretchen : Acli vy haf I to dis country come ! I can not 
de English spik. I like not de peoples in dis house — only 
de kleine Dollie. She is goot. But de missus and de 
Fraulein Elize und Shanet — Pouf ! — I like dem not. Dey 
are so mean to de kleine Dollie. (Knock R.) Ach, was 
ist dass? Come in! (Enter Dick R.) 

Dick: Hello. (Aside) Darn my buttons, if that isn't the 
neatest girl I've seen in a coon's age. (Aloud) Hello 
there, Agnes, or IMollie, or whatever your name is. How 
d'youcio? 

Gretciiex: I been wohl — no, well, danke. 

Dick: Donkey! Call me a donkey, do you? I like your 
manners. 

Gretchen ( frightened) : I spik not de English sehr goot. 

Dick (laughing loudly): I should say not. (Sitting on. 
table) Well, where 's the rest of the push? 

Gretchen (confusedly) : Poosh ? — I know not dat vord. I — - 

Dick (aside): What a fresh little cucumber! Guess I'll 
jolly her a little. (Aloud) So you don't know what 
"push" means? Well. I'll tell you. It means the whole 
bunch — your mistress, Elize, Janet, and Dollie — all of 
them. Now, do you savy ? 

Gretchen (hands up in horror): Savy, punch, poosh I Ach ! 

5 



6 DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 

I know nocldings ! (Crying) I tink I go back to mine 
Fatherland. 

Dick : Here, don 't cry ! Come here, now. (Takes hand) 
Let me give von a few lessons in English. You'll soon 
learn. Now that word ' ' push ' ' — that 's a fine one. When 
some one comes and asks for your mistress and the young 
ladies, you must say ''the push has gone to a party," or 
' ' the push is out walking. ' ' See ? 

Gretchen (delighfcd): Ja, I see. I will that word remem- 
ber. Poosh — Poosh — 

Dick (laughing): You're a good one, but my boss sent me 
up to get tomorrow's orders. Where's the missus? 

Gretchen : Orters ? Ach, ja ! You wish de housekeeper to 
see. She iss in de ki — kitchen. Come, I will you de vay 
show. (Going L.) 

Dick: Gee, you're so green you'd kill all the bugs in a ten 
acre field of potatoes. Paris green has nothing on you. 
(Both exit L.) 

Gretchen (reentering L.) : Ach das ist a fresh fellow. 
(Enter Dollie door E. C.J 

Dollie : Ah, Gretchen, you here ? Isn 't it time for you to 
be in bed? 

Gretchen : I must for de laties wait. 

Dollie f seating herself wearihi at table): Where did they 

Gretchen: I tink to ]\Irs. Shones. IMiss Dollie, vy dond 
you go? 

Dollie : Why, don 't you see ? They never take me any- 
where. They leave me here alone every night. Oh, I 
don't see how I can stand it any longer. (Crying) 
Gretchen, (getting up) did you ever know what it was 
to be so lonesome you nearly died, and to want to see 
some one, oh so much? It is nearly a year since my 
father died and I can hardly live at all without him. 
(Sits with head on table crying) 

Gretchen (L.): Ach, ]\Tiss Dollie, I know it too. (Crying) 
]\Iein Vaterland — Plans ! 

Dollie : Oh, Gretchen! (corning to her) Do you know this 
terrible feeling too? (Putting arm around her) There, 



DOLLY TK AVERS' INHERITANCE 7 

there, don 't cry^ ! I have been selfish in my grief. Here 
you have been as lonesome as I and I have done nothing 
to help you. 

Gretchen : Ach, no, ]\Iiss Dollie ! I lofe you ! You haf been 
so goot. 

Dollie : Oh no, I haven't, but I will be. Don't call me 
''Miss" Dollie either. You and I must be friends any- 
how. (They sit on couch) Now, tell me all about your 
home. 

Gretchen : Aeh, I can not. I vould too much cry. I cannot 
of it spik. It iss so far away, ofer de great wasser. And 
Hans ! 

Dollie : Hans ! Who is he ? 

Gretchen ftivisting corner of apron): He is my — What vou 
say? 

Dollie (smiling): Oh, your sweetheart. 

Gretchen : Ja, dass ist ! Ach, I lofe him ! He will to dis 
coimtry come. I keep all my moneys. I send to Hans, 
and he will come. It ist so long. (Crying) 

Dollie : There, there, don't-cry! We'll soon find a way to 
bring him. You may go to bed now. I'll wait up until 
the others come. (Exit Gretchen R.) Poor little 
Gretchen ! But she is not so entirely alone as I am. 
She has her Hans even if he is away over the sea, but I 
have no one. Oh, Papa, Papa ! Why did you leave me 
alone? (Knock, L. Starts up) Who can be coming at 
this time of night ? And what a fright I look ! (Smoothing 
hair, etc.) Come in ! 

(Enter Tom L.) 

Tom : Hello, Dollie ! Why, what 's the matter ? Crying, by 
Jove! So they've gone off and left you again. It's a 
beastly shame. Knew that's what the old cats would do, 
so I thought I'd come and console you. 

Dollie (looking him over): So you've been to the party, too. 
You needn't trouble yourself, Mr. Deering. Go back to 
your old party ! So there! (Crying again) 

Tom : Oh, come now, Dollie, don't be hard on a fellow. I'd 
lots rather stay here with you than circulate around in 
that stuck-up set. (Sits E. of table) 



8 DOLLY TPv AVERS' INHERITANCE 

DoLLiE: Would you? (^Yipil^g Iter eyes and crossing to 
him) You see I was just dying of lonesomeness, and 
when I saw you with those clothes on, I thought you had 
just come out of pity. But it is all right now. Let's 
have a jolly time. Here, let me have your hat. (Puts it 
away. Then seats herself at L. of table, elbows on it) 
Now tell me all about the party. 

Tom : Party be damned ! 

DoLLiE: Whew! Don't swear, Tom. 

Tom : Well then, what in thunder makes the old hags treat 
you so? (Gets up anel stamps around the room) 

DoLLiE: Oh, why must we talk of disagreeable things? 
Haven 't I just been crjnng about it ? And now you want 
to bring it all back again. But if you must know, come 
and sit down like a reasonable being and I'll tell you all 
about it. Their hatred of me, for I can call it by no 
other name, began just after my father died a 3^ear ago. 
Ever since then my step-mother and her daughters — 
sisters they have never been — have instituted a system 
of studied coldness and hard treatment, the very opposite 
of the fawning tenderness bestowed upon me in his life- 
time. They never take me anywhere, buy me no new 
clothes, and hustle me out of the room when visitors 
come, as if they wanted to keep my very existence a 
secret. Oh, I can never tell you of all the torments I 
am called upon to endure every hour of the day. 

Tom : Why do you stand it? Can no one do anything? 

DoLLiE: What would be thought of me if I should bring 
complaint against my own people? Who would listen to 
me ? The excuse always made to strangers, is — ' ' Oh, she's 
sech a child you know." Here I am nearly eighteen 
years old and they keep me dressed like this. 

Tom : Why, I think that 's a stunning dress ! 

DoLLiE fcontemptuously) : Oh, that's all boys know. 

Tom : But, what makes them so do^\Ti on you ? That 's what 
I don't see. 

DoLLiE: Well, it's like this. When Papa died suddenly, no 
will could be found, so the natural thing of course was 



DOLI.V TKAVERS' IXIIKRITAXCE 9 

to have my stepmother appointed my guardian until I'm 
of age. Everj^hing was turned over to her, and as long 
as they can keep me a little girl and not let people know 
how old I am, they can do what they like w4th papa's 
money. But I know papa never meant it that way. He 
had begun to see through them before he died. I know 
he left a will. (Getting up and putting hands to head) 
Oh, why can't I remember what he said? He told me 
with almost his last breath where he put it. His last 
words ! Oh, why will they not come back to me? (Gazing 
u'ildly around) This very room! His room! Yet I can 
not remember. I can not. I— (Sinks into chair, hands 
over face) 

Tom (soothingly): There, there, DoUie, don't. Things will 
surelv be better soon. Do vou think they suspect he left 
a will? 

DoLLiE: Yes, I tliink they do and that is why they hate me 
so. You see if it were found and put into a lawyer's 
hands, my rights would have to be recognized. Papa was 
queer about some things, and he thought it would be 
safer in a secret place than in a lawyer's hands. To 
think that to me alone he told the secret and I have 
forgotten it — forgotten it as completely as though I never 
heard it. The awful shock of his sudden death left me 
so stunned. IMy mind was a blank for days, and those 
last words have never come back to me. (Looks dreamily 
around the room) 

Tom : Have you ever looked for it ? 

DoLLiE (rousing, as though coming out of a dream): Have I? 
I never let a chance slip by. I think it's in this room 
somewhere, but w^here I do not know. Oh, I am so tired 
of this life. Must it go on forever? 

Tom : Of course not. AVe must find a way to get ahead of 
them. In the meantime, remember you have a friend 
in me. 

DoLLiE (getting up): Yes, Tom, I know that, but oh — 
(Sighs) But let's not be miserable any more. The whole 
evening is going. Here 's good-by to all sad thoughts ! 



10 DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 

(Dancing around the room) You smoke — Don't you want 
to now ? Give me a cigarette, too ! We used to smoke 
them at school — because we were told not to I suppose. 
(Tom lights cigarettes for hoth. Dollie puts on Tom's 
hat and struts around imitating a man) 

Tom (laughing) : That's good. I wish the dainty and super- 
fine Elize could see you now. (Sound of some one coming) 
Speaking of angels — 

(Enter Mrs. Travers and daughters center hack. 
Dollie front L. sitting on arm of chair and puffing 
aicay unconsciously at cigarette. Mother and daugh- 
ters stop in middle of stage with expressions of 
astonishment) 

Elize : What on earth— 

Janet (sarcastically ) : Well, Dollie, this is a nice thing to do. 

IMrs. Travers : Law me, darters, she 's sech a child you know. 
(Sinks into a chair as though overcome. Recovering, she 
sits up and glares at Dollie) Dollie, you naughty girl ! 
Go to your room immediately. I '11 see to yew ! 

Dollie (aside) : I see mA'self . (Aloud to TomJ Didn 't I tell 
you? (Laughs and hows in mock humility to Mrs. 
Travers) My dear Mrs. Travers, I'm really sorry to 
disappoint you, but, as I have not yet finished my cigarette, 
a moonlight stroll with ]Mr. Deering Avill be more to my 
liking. Come Tom, this may not be very proper, but I'm 
*'sech a child you know" that I can not be expected to 
observe the proprieties. (Bowing low, exits center with 
Tom) 

Elize and Janet (together): Well, I never — 

Mrs. T. (in openmouthed, astonishment) : Law me! Gals, I 
don't know what tew dew Avitli her. She's too much fer 
me. 

Janet (spitefully) : Yes, and for all of us. Mark my words, 
INIiss Dollie is going to come out on the top of the heap 
every time. Elize, you do despise her, don't you? She's 
young, pretty, and — rich — if that long sought will ever 
turns up. But I want to tell you one thing. Keep her 
out of Elliot McDowell's sight or you'll never land your 
fish. 



DOLLY TRAVER8' INHERITANCE 11 

Elize (in a rage): Keep still, can't you. Do >ou want to 
make me hate her any more than I do ? 

Janet (laughing) : Glad I'm not troubled by any nonsense 
of that sort. (Yawning) Well, I'm off to bed. To- 
morrow is my busy day. Let me see — (coming center, 
counting on fingers) At nine o'clock, a committee meet- 
ing to arrange for a workingman 's reading room ; at ten, 
a meeting of the Club of Advanced Ideas for Women ; 
at twelve, a visit to St. Luke's Hospital for Crippled 
Children ; at one, a — 

Elize : Oh, for Heaven's sake, do go to bed. You'll drive 
me crazy. 

Mrs. T. (who has been dozing): What — How — Law me, 
darters, don't fight. 

Janet (going R. laughing): Dear me, IMother, your language 
is certainly refined. I'll leave you to enjoy it. 
(Exit R. front) 

Elize : IMother, can't you ever remember not to say ''Law 
me " and " darters ' ' ? (Crosses L.J 

JMrs. T. (dazed): How? Law me— 

Elize (exasperated): Oh, let's go to bed! 

^[rs. T. (rising) : But what about Dollie ? 

Elize (angrily): Oh, she'll take care of herself, never fear. 
You'll find her in her room all right. (Exit Mrs. T. R.) 
Dollie — Yes, she will take care of herself and we'll be 
the ones to suffer. (Center) We cannot keep her a 
child much longer and if that wretched will is found, 
I am sure this wealth will be Dollie 's and we shall 
have to go back to the poverty from which her father 
rescued us when he married IMother. And Elliot 
IMcDowell! Would his love stand the test of poverty? 
Is that love mine? Will it ever be? Oh, love such as I 
bear for him is a curse. It makes me hate everything that 
comes between me and my desire of winning him. Oh, 
if I could find the missing will I'd destroy it as I would 
the veriest scrap of paper. Nothing — not even fate itself 
shall withhold from me the priceless boon of Elliot 
IMcDowell 's love. As for Dollie — let her beware, for if 
she with her baby face and childish ways, should come 



12 DOLLY TRAVERS' IXHERriAXCE 

between me and my love, I'd crush her as I would the 
lowest worm that crawls! 

(Exit R. after turning down ligJits) 
(Tom enters stealthily by door at hack. Lools cau- 
tiously around) 

Tom : Ha, the coast is clear at last. I soon persuaded Dollie 
to go to bed and now that they are all gone I am going 
to have a try at finding that Avill. Sli — AVhat 's that ? I 
would be in the devil of a fix if any one should come, but 
ril be hanged if I can stand seeing Dollie bullyragged to 
death by those old eats. She said it was somewhere in 
this room (is looking around all the time he is talking) 
and I am going to make a systematic search. Xot there. 
(Going over to desk) She said this was his private desk. 
There might be a secret drawer or something. (Hears 
something outside) "Ha, by the pricking of my thumbs, 
something evil this way comes." Here. I'll hide in here. 
(Gets behind curtain just as ^Irs. Traver> enters B. with 
candle in hand) 

IMrs. T. : Law me. Thought I heerd somethin ' daown here. 
Burglars, maybe. (Peering around) Ain't nobody here 
after all. (Sets candle down on table) This room jest 
gives me the shivers. Seems as if I could see Dollie 's 
pa's eyes lookin' out of every corner. Law "me, he was 
a good man! (Sniffling) Dollie ain't a mite like him. 
Dear me, I wonder naow where he could have put that 
will. (Tom looks out) That ar desk there was his'n an' 
he set a poAver o' store by it. Wonder if it ain't in there. 
(Goes near curtain and hears noise) What's that? 
(Pulls curtain aside and sees Tom) Oh! (shrieks) 
Burglars! Help! Help! Oh! (Sinks into a chair. 
Dollie enters L. in time to see Tom going out by eloor at 
back. Is about to speak to him when he motions her to 
be silent) 

Dollie (aside): AYhat can Tom be doing here? I wonder, 
but mum's the word. (Goes to ^Irs. T. just as Elize and 
Janet rush in R.) 

Dollie : There, there. Mother, it's all right. 

Janet and Elize (together): What's the matter? 



DOLLY TRAVKRS' IXHERITAXC'E 13 

Mrs. T. ( begin ni)ig to scrcatn aijain): l^iirglars ! Ilel}) ! 

Where are they ? 

{Enter Gretchen L.) 
Gretchen: Aeh, wa>s ist ^ Donner and blitzen ! Was ist ? 

Aeh, such a clime! (Screams anel sits down flat on 

floor L. front, with feet straight out in front of her) 
DoLLiE: There, there, everyone keep still! He's gone. I 

saw him go. Pie was as much frightened as we were. 
Elize (screams): There was a burglar then. 
Mrs. T. (center): Oh, I'm faint. ^ I— (AU rush to catch 

her except Elize, who also succumbs in a chair, and 

Gretchen, who still remains on the floor in a state of 

collapse) 

CURTAIN 



ACT II 

Garden of the Travers Jwme. Rustic tables and seats. Garden 
seat R., covered ivith rugs and cushions. 

(Enter Gretchen L. with tray containing cups of 
chocolate. Enter Dick R.) 

Dick : Hello there, little Dutcliy ! What have you on that 
tray ? Sauerkraut and wiener-wursts ? 

Gretchen (setting tray doirn on table): Nein, das iss 
schoeolade for de Fraulein Elize. 

Dick (moc'king her): Schoeolade! Well, how 're you coming 
any-how? Like it any better? 

Gretchen (sighing): Aeh, it is a lant of big lonesomeness. 
Ach, I feel so — here — (Placing hand on heart) 

Dick: Why, what's the matter? Stomach ache? 

Gretchen: Ach, nein! You understand not. I got such a 
feelings here in mein heart — 

Dick : Why, don 't you like it here ? Aren 't they good to you ? 

Gretchen : Ach, yes, de ]\Iiss Dollie ist gut. But de Fraulein 
Elize ! (Raising hands) Was filr eine Fran ist dasf Ach, 
I must eferytings do for her — de dresses bring, de 
schoeolade, de shoes lace oop (acting it all out) und sie, sie 
tut immer so, and she do always so. (Imitating a lady 
fixing hair and putting powder on face) Ach, es ist 
awful! (Shaking head) 

Dick (laughing) : Well, you are certainly the limit. (Aside) 
She'd be great if she wasn't so darned fresh. She's a 
peach, all right, all right, f Aloud) Say, you don't have 
to put anything on your face do you? Let's see. (He 
rubs her cheek with his finger. She slaps him away) 

Gretchen: Ach, du bist awful! 

Dick : Let 's you and me be spoons on each other. What do 
you say? (Tries to put arm around her) 

14 



DOLLY TUAVEKS" IXIIEIUTAXCE 15 

Gretchen (jerking away J: Spoons? Was ist das? 

Dick: Why, don't you know? Lovers — sweethearts — 

Gretchen : Sweetheart? Das meint Hans! I haf one 
sweetheart in Deutschland — ( proudly j mein Hans. 

DiCK: The devil you say. 

Gretchen : Ja. ja. but I ged no ledder. Aeh, I — (Begins 
to cry) 

Dick : Oh say now — let up on that. Don't go making a foun- 
tain of yourself for any damned Dutchman. Give him 
the grand bounce and take yours truly. Won't you? 
(Comes close to'her) 

Gretchen (draws hack): Xein I nein 1 (Runs off L. front] 

Dick : Well, that was a left hander, sure pop I Gee. I 'd do 
anything for her "Royal Nibs. ]Miss Sauer Kraut." But 
she surely did hand me the "frozen mitt." It's me for 
the cold and chilly street. (Taking up basket) ^Iar>^ 
Ann Simpkins has turned me down too, so I'm a regular 
"Babe in the Woods," tra la. (Goes off R., ringing. 
Elize enters ceyiter, slowly saunters to table, pours out a 
cup of chocolate, yawning, seats herself on bench and 
slowly sips) 

Elize : Oh, these late hours do make one feel depressingly 
weary. And then that burglar scare last night was enough 
to keep one awake most of the night. (Fixing hair and 
smoothing face) It all has its effect on the complexion 
too. I am afraid I could see wrinkles beginning to come 
this morning. (Getting up and walking around) But I 
must contrive to liven up a little before ^Nlr. McDowell 
comes. fDoLLiE enters unseen, center back. Stands and 
listois) I am almost sure that he will propose to-day. 
His manner was so impressive last night, that I think 
he asked to call for that very purpose. I do wish that 
I felt better, or at least looked better. I shall receive him 
here on the lawn, wear my pink muslin, and hold my 
pink parasol. He is coming at ten and it must be almost 
that now. (Turns and discovers Dollie. Aside) That 
minx! Wonder if she heard me? (^ Jo Dollie) Haven '^ 
you anything to do except to stand aroimd where you 
aren't wanted? 



16 DOLLY TR AVERS' IXHERITAXCE 

DoLLiE (coining front): Well, no. Perhaps, when I am as 
old as you are I may find more to occupy my time. And, 
in the meantime, seeing that these grounds belonged to 
ni}^ father, I may perhaps be allowed standing room in 
them. (Going L.) 

(Janet enters liurrieelhj E.) 

Janet: Oh dear, what time is it? I shall be late for the 
Advanced Idea Class (sitting at tahle and pouring out 
chocolate) and after that comes the IMother's Congress. 

Elize: Mother's Congress, indeed! You'd better join an 
Old IMaid's Society for the Benefit of Stray Cats. 

Janet: IMy, Elize, your temper is heavenly this morning. 
Wasn't McDowell as attentive as usual last night? 

Elize: As for Elliot ]\IcDowell, the future will show that I 
am perfectlv able to manage him. An revoir, mv angels. 
(Exit C.) 

Janet : Humph, I must say Elize is on her high horse this 
morning. But I must hurry. 

Dollie (coming np and Inecling heside her): Janet, couldn't 
you spare a little time from your clubs for me? I'm sure 
I need your sympathy much more than they do. (Sobbing) 
Oh, ever since Papa died I have been just starving for a 
little love, but no one cares a rap for me ! 

Janet (drawing away): Oh Dollie, don't bother me! Go to 
Tom Deering or some one else for s.ympathy — I haven't 
any for you. I haven't time. Don't you .see? (P idling 
out notebook and reading from it as she gets up and loolis 
at watch) Advanced Idea Class at nine. ^Mother's Con- 
gress at ten. Lecture by Professor Theophilus Jastrow on 
the Amelioration of Siberian Lepers at eleven o'clock, 
and (goes off L. still reading from notehool-) 

Dollie (rising with gesture of despair): Oh, it's of no use. 
No one has any time for me. Well, I'll just have to 
fashion my life without love. I'll be just as hard and 
unfeeling as they are, and if I don't have some fun at 
their expense I'll know the reason why. I Avish Tom 
were here. I heard Elize say that .she expected her fine 
beau, Elliot IMcDowell, this morning, and that she thought 



DOLLY TRAVEPvS' INHErjTAXCE 17 

he would "pop the question," but (dancing around and 
singing) "I'll be there ma honey, I'll be there," and 
we'll see who will do the popping. I must find Tom and 
then for some fun. (Glancing L.) Oh, here he is now. 
Oh, Tom — (Tom enters L.) I've just been looking for 
you. 

Tom : That's good news. What's up? 

DoLLiE : Oh, I want your help in a scheme I have on hand. 
Will you help me? 

Tom : Sure thing. What is it ? 

DoLLiE: Now don't preach and don't back out. I've gone 
just about to my limit in this house and I am going to 
do something to pay them back for their treatment of 
me. Elize was as hateful as an old cat this morning. 
She's expecting Elliot IMcDowell and she thinks he is 
going to propose to her. She's going to receive him out 
here in the garden — see, she has the seat all fixed up 
with cushions. You and I are going to hide behind it 
and listen. When he gets to the exciting moment we 
will jump up and give them the "Ha, ha," and then 
run away. 

Tom (drawing had'): Oh, Dollie, that's a very mean thing 
to do. 

Dollie : I don't care if it is. She's everlastingly mean to 
me and I'm going to pay her back. 

Tom : I'd do anything for you, Dollie, but this seems dis- 
honorable. 

Dollie : Dishonorable, nothing! I told you not to preach. 
All right then, go home, f tossing her head) You needn't 
help me, you needn't do anything, but never, never, 
speak to me again ! (Turns to go R.) 

Tom (heaving a sigh): Oh, well, Dollie, it's awful, but I'll 
help you. Of course I will. I said I'd stand by you 
and I will. 

Dollie (running toward him): Oh, Tom, you are a dear! I 
could almost kiss you for that. 

Tom (seizing her): All right, here goes. 

Dollie: No, no! (Struggling and tunning off C, Tom fol- 



IS DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 

lowing) (Gretciien enters and removes chocolate tray 

L.) 

(Enter Elize E.) 
Elize: I wonder why he doesn't come. (Loohiufj eit icatch) 

It's past ten now. (Pacing np and down restlessly) Oh, 

if this chance fails me ! But I must be calm. I mnst 

not let him see how I feel. (Listening) I hear foot- 
steps. (Sits and takes np hook. McDoW'Ell enters center 

hack and comes front) 
McDowell : ^Ij dear Miss Elize, excuse my being a trifle late. 

It was unavoidable. (She rises. He takes her hand and 

hows low over it) 
Elize: You are excused. Will you not sit down? (They 

seat themselves) 
McDowell (fanning himself ivith hat): Warm, isn't it? 

But one scarcely feels the heat in the shade of these 

magnificent trees. 
Elize : Yes, the trees are beautiful. The late Mr. Travers 

was very proud of his gardens. Have you ever been 

through them? 
]\IcDowell : No, I have not. That is a pleasure reserved for 

you to bestow upon me. 
Elize (gaily): Well there's no time like the present. Come, 

suppose we inspect them now. 
McDowell (rising): Gladly. 

(He gives her his arm, and they stroll np center and 

off B. Tom and Dollie 7^un in- L.) 
DoLLiE (laughing): She thinks she is going to secure her 

prize, but we'll fool her this trip. 
Tom : What 'er you going to do ? 
DoLLiE: Do? Didn't I tell you what we're going to do? 

Hide behind this bench, and then when he begins to get 

spoony, jump out at them, and laugh and run. 
Tom (groaning): That seems like such a low down thing to 

do. 
Dollie : Of course it is, and I am glad of it. If you have 

cold feet already, why just go home like a good little 

boy, I don't want 3^011. 
Tom : Oh, Dollie, of course — 



DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 19 

DoLLiE: Well, come on tliuii, they'll be back in a minute. 
(They hide themselves just as Elize and ]McDowell 
stroll in, center, come forward and sit on bench) 

IMcDowELL : Yes, it was a very enjoyable affair. 

Elize : It sureh^ was. I think we are going to give a ball 
very soon and a fancy dress one at that. 

]\lcDow^ELL : Indeed ! But my dear ]Miss Elize, I do not see 
how 3^ou could look any more charming in a fancy-dress 
costume than 3'ou do to-day. Late hours seem to have 
no effect upon you. 

Elize: Oh, Mr. McDowell, you flatter me. 

IMcDowELL: Not at all. I have long wanted to bo more than 
a casual acquaintance. Believe me, I — (Placing his arm 
along the hack of the scat) Elize (bending toward her) 
You surely must have seen that I — (A loud giggle is 
heard. Tom and Dollie spring froyn behind bench and 
run laughing off R.) 

LIcDow^ell (springing up) : The devil — 

Elize (trembling and half crying): Dollie Travers! This is 
shameful! (To McDowell) Mr. McDowell, I must beg 
your pardon for the very reprehensible conduct of my 
sister. 

]\IcDowell : Your sister ? (Aside) Devilish handsome any- 
way. (Looking B.) 

Elize (much excited): Oh, I can not think what induced 
her to act so. AVe have condoned her faults heretofore 
because she is so very young. But she must and shall 
learn manners. 

jMcDowell (in a rather cool manner): Dear ]\Iiss Elize, pray 
calm yourself. It was nothing more than a girlish trick. 
We can surely forgive it. And now I think I will leave 
in order to give you an opportunity to recover from this 
little incident. 

(Exit B., bowing) 

Elize (rushing back and forth excitedly) : Scandalous! Con- 
temptible ! I feel as if I could utterly annihilate that 
child! She has ruined my last chance with him. He 
will never get so far again. And all on account of her. 
I wish we were livinj? in a barliarian age, for I would 



20 DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 

welcome any means to rid me of her hated presence — 
(Jack Mugwump^ disguised as a ivoman selling lace, 
appears center hack. Sneaks tip and listens to Elize) 
dungeons, slow torture, poison — (Jack states) anything 
to get her out of my way. I will do something if I die 
for it. (Exit tip through trees R. tvithout having seen 
Jack, tcho comes forward) 

Jack (pushing bonnet hack to show real character): Well 
what the devil! Never see one of the swells worked up 
like that before. She sure has got it in for some one. 
Wants ' ' knock-out drops, ' ' does she ? ]\Iaybe I can strike 
up a bargain with her. (Looking B.) Here she comes 
now. (Pulls bonnet doivn over face and tvalks like an 
old ivoman) 

Elize (entering B., exhausted, sits on bench): I could not 
go into the house. I must recover mj^self first. 
(Jack comes front) 

Jack (in ivhining tone): Kind leddy, please buy some lace 
for the sake of me six small childher stharving at home. 

Etjze (impatiently) : Oh, my good woman, go away. I 
have troubles of my own. I don't want to look at any 
lace. 

Jack (in a loud tone of grief): Ochone, wirra, wirra ! It's 
stharving we are, ma'am. Well thin, there's nothing 
left me, but to take a dhrop or two av this poison an 
make an ind of mesilf, an' the orphan asylums will take 
care of me six poor childher. Oelione, ochone ! 

Elize (aside, in a hoarse voice): Poison! (Aloud) What 
— what did you say, my good woman? Poison? You 
wouldn 't take that would you ? Every one would — know 
it — and maybe the orphan asylums would not take care 
of your children if they knew that — you— 

Jack: Not a bit of it ma'am. They wouldn't know a "thing 
about it, ma'am. (He comes closer, speaking in a tvhisper. 
Elize listens tvith fear and horror depicted on her face) 
This medicine don't leave no trace behint. A few drops 
in a cup of coffee an' you fall asleep like a bnbby, ma'am. 

Elize (in a tvhisper): How — much — for the — bottle? But I 
have — no money — here. Take this ring — give — me the 



DOLLY TRAVERS' TNHERITANX'E 21 

bottle. (Panting) There take this. (She pushes ring 
into his hand, snatches bottle, and goes off hurriedly E. 
After she is gone Jack throws bonnet off entirely, reveal- 
ing face, drops basket and examines ring) 

Jack: May I be blowed, but she's a rum one. (^McDowell 
appears at bach, stops, and listens) She certainly wanted 
the dope bad to put up a sparkler like this for it. 

]\IcDowELL (coining tip and seizing Jack by the collar): 
Jack ^Mugwump ! What are you doing here and where 
did you get that ring? (Snatching ring out of his hand 
and looking at it) Some more of your foxy work, eh? 
Didn't I tell you the last time that if I ever saw you again 
I'd land 3^ou in jail? And here you are at it again! If 
I'm not mistaken, I saw this ring on Miss Denton's 
finger not half an hour ago. I can tell it by its peculiar 
setting. How do you happen to have it ? 

Jack (cowering) : She gave it to me, IMister. 

iMcDowELL : Gave it to you ? No more of such lies ! 

Jack: She did, sir. She was half off her head about some- 
thing. Wanted to put some])ody or something out of the 
way, an' I watched my chance an' showed her a little 
bottle of dope I had, sir, an' she was that dead anxious 
to have it that she just pushed the ring into me hand 
an' was off like a flash. Hope to die, sir. 

^IcDow^LL (}rlio has listeneel in astonisJiment) : Be off with 
you, before I put the police on you ! You stole it, you 
rascal! (Shakes him again, anel pulls shawl off showing 
common tramp's torn coat and shirt) Now be off with 
you and mincl you this is the last time. If I ever see 
you again I'll deliver you to the flrst cop I see. I will 
return the ring to ^liss Denton. (Jack ga fliers up 
things and sneaks away) 

McDow^ELL (pacing up and down): This is a strange coin- 
cidence, surely. But it must be a lie clear through, but — 
Oh, it must be! AVhat could she want with poison? 
Nothing, surely. I'll just dismiss the whole thing from 
my mind. (Looking around) I came back after my 
glove. Here it is. (Picking it up and sifting down on 
bench) Yes, a strange coincidence all through. I came 



22 DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 

very near proposing to Elize when that little minx 
knocked it in the head. I am rather glad of it — it is 
well not to be in too much of a hnrry abont some things, 
and the dainty Elize is not as young as she once was. 
Yet there are all those cursed debts. I must have money 
some way and marrying it seems to be the easiest way of 
getting it. There must be money here. (Looking around) 
Everything shows it. And yet there's something strange 
about it, too. There's the old lady, ignorant as the devil, 
and this sister that they have kept so mysteriously in the 
background. Jove, there was reason for that ! No one 
would look at the others twice while she was around. 
Gad, it would be easy to propose to her although she 
might be a prickly thorn to deal with. Not a disagree- 
able change after the cloying flattery one gets so much 
of. Hm-mm — not a bad idea! Guess I'll follow it up. 
(Rises) This affair of the ring still worries me. What 
could she want with poison ? (Starts) The little sister — 
Oh, it couldn't be! And yet now that I recall it, I did 
not like the look in her eyes when the two of them jumped 
out on us. And women can be devils sometimes. It will 
bear looking into, anyway. And I guess ^liss Denton 
will be rather surprised when I give her ring back to 
her. (Exit R. as Tom and Dollie run in L. laughing) 

DoLLiE: Oh dear, oh dear, I shall die laughing. Did you 
ever see anybody so upset as they were? Elize looked 
as if she would like to murder me. (Looking at Tom) 
But what is the matter with you? 

Tom : Nothing, only I can 't see the fmi in a mean trick like 
that. 

Dollie : Mean? Of course it was mean. I meant it to be. 
I've tried for the last time to win love from them. Only 
this morning I went down on my knees to Janet and 
])egged her for a little of tlie sympathy she bestows on 
her clubs and hospitals, but she turned from me in 
scorn. Never again will I look for or expect a kind word 
from any of them. But you just wait ! Papa 's last words 
will surely come back to me sometime. I'll find the Avill 
and then I'll show them the mercy they have sho\\Ti me. 



DOLLY TRAVERS' IXIIERTTAXCE 23 

Tom : Yes, if wo only coukl find it! Bnt you saw liow I 
brought the house about my ears when I tried hist night. 

DoLLiE: Yes, but what if I don't find it? Do you suppose 
they can keep me out of l^apa's money forever? I guess 
not. When I am eighteen — and that won't be long — I 
am going to a lawyer. 

Tom : Yes, you can do that. 

DoLLiE: And I will. But, Tom, did yon hear Elize telling 
^McDowell about the mask ball they are going to give? 
Well, I'm going to it and you must come too. 

Tom : Not on your life ! I hate the d — mn things. 

DoLLiE: Now, Tom Deering, you just have to come, do you 
hear? (Stamping foot) 

Tom (resignedly) : Yes, I hear, and I suppose I'll come. 
(Aside) Pretty state of affairs when I let a girl turn 
me around like this. (Aloud) Well, what costume are 
3^ou going in? (Sulkily) I shan't mask. 

DoLLiE: You silly! Of course you'll mask. What fun '11 it 
be if you don't? And besides I have another scheme to 
tease Elize. I've spoiled her chance once with ^McDowell 
and I am going to do it again. Oh, I'm going to get up 
a stunning costume. There are yards and yards of black 
chiffon up in the garret. I shall be a fairy of the night. 
Of course as I am ''sech a child you know," I'll have it 
real short. Oh, can't I dance in it! Like this, see. 
(Lifting shirts, she waltzes round stage humming tune) 
Oh, Tom, won't it be fun? (Going up to him she puts 
hands on his shoulders) You will com.e, won't you, Tom? 

Tom : I suppose so, but what's your scheme. 

DoLLiE: Why don't you see? I will try to charm ^McDowell 
so that he will pay all his attention to me instead of to 
Elize. And take me in to supper, too! Won't she be 
mad though? 

Tom : Well, I like that ! Ask a fellow to go to a party and 
then coolly tell him you are going to supper with another 
man. 

DoLT.iE (teasingly) : Yes, Tom, a man. You're only a hoy, 
you know. 

Tom : Bov or not, I'll never consent to being treated tliat 



24 DOLLY TR AVERS' IXHERITAXCE 

way. And another thins^, I decidedly object to your hav- 
ing anything to do with Elliot IMcDovrell. He's not a 
man that I care to have yon know. 

DoLLiE (standing in front of him, hands on hips): Phew — 
cw — Mister Tom Deering! How high and mighty we 
are! Whoever constituted you my guardian? I'll have 
you understand that I shall choose my friends without 
any of your assistance. 

Tom : Then you needn 't expect me at your old party, that 's 
all. 

DoLLiE : Well really, Mr. Deering, we shall try to exist 
without your delightful company. Perhaps you would 
do well to remember the little maxim — ' ' there are others ' ' 
— and owing to the state of your health this morning I 
think I will bid you a very good — day. (Bowing low 
she goes off L, humming a tune) 

Tom (stamping up and down front): What the devil makes 
girls act so ? Now she knows as well as I do that I '11 go 
to this confounded part}^ Of course I will, if only to 
protect her from that snob of a ]\IcDowell. 
(Exit E. as DoLLiE enters L.) 

DoLLiE (i)i a ivhisperj : Tom! Tom! Why — he's gone — 
(Coming front) And mad at me, too. (Crying) Oh, 
why didn't I behave myself? (Loolnng up in a fright- 
ened wag) AYhy, Tom's the only friend I have in the 
world — the only person that cares one — single — thing 
about me. And now I — have — lost him. Oh, I am so 
alone. (Falls sohhing on the bench) 

CURTAIN 



ACT III 

Library in the T ravers home — same as in Act I, hut with 
curtains of archway at hacli drawn aside to disclose por- 
tion of 'ballroom. Conch at front B. is screened off by 
ferns and potted palms to form alcove. Desk still in con- 
spicuous place. Conimoiion heard: L. as curtain rises. 

(Enter Dick Snodgrass and Hans Von UnterwaldenJ 
Dick: Hi there, Duteliy ! Are there any more like you 

where you eame from? 
Hans (confused) : Ich versteh nicht — 
(Enter Dollie K.) 
DoLLiE : Why, Dick, whom have you here ? 
Dick : Search me. I don 't believe he knows himself. Guess 

he doesn't savvy any English. I came up here, hoping- 

to get a glimpse of little ]\Iiss Sauer Kraut, and I found 

him wandering around the house. He won't leave — seems 

as if he wants someone, but he can't speak a word of 

English. 
Hans: English! Nein, nein ! (Shaking head and talking 

very fast in German, ending with — ) Ich suche mein 

Scliatz! 
DiCK:' Who said anything about shots? Take me for a 

cannon, do you? I'd like to fire off a shot or two just 

to see if those gunboats (pointing to tiis feet) would 

stay on when you jumped. 
DoLLiE: Don't bother him, Dick. I can talk a little German, 

and I'll see what I can do. (Going up to Hans.j Was 

u'ollen Sief 
Hans: Ich will wcin Schaiz frnden. 
DoLLiE: Schatz? Schatz? Oh yes, that means sweetheart. 

(To DiCK^ You know, Gretchen told us that. 
Hans (much cjxited): J a, ja, Gretchen, das ist — Wo ist 

25 



26 DOLLY TRAVErvS' INHERITANCE 

sicf Sic ist mcinc schalz, mcvne liehc. (Ta'king Dollie's 
hand) 

DoLLiE: Why, do you mean Gretelien — Gretehen Linden- 
strasse ? 

Hans (more excited): J a, ja, sic ist incin schatz. Ich licisz 
Hans Von Unterivalden. (Bowing over her hand) 

DoLLiE: I see! (Laughing and clapping hands) Yon are 
Hans, Gretehen 's sweetheart, ;^nd have eome all this way 
to see her. Oh, Diek, she will be so glad to see him. 
Take him down to the kitchen. 

Dick: Yes, I s'pose she will be glad to see him. but I ain't, 
darn his Dutch hide. I had some hopes of IMiss Saner 
Kraut myself. (Goes L. followed hg Hansj 

DoLLiE (seats herself hg table): Well, Gretehen will be sur- 
prised. Everyone has some one belonging to them except 
me. It seems to me I get lonelier and lonelier. Tom has 
been mad at me ever since that day in the garden, three 
Aveeks ago, and Elize never speaks to me at all. She 
only looks at me with such a hateful glare in her eye that 
it makes the cold shivers go all over me. I believe she'd 
murder me if she got the chance. Well, to-night is the 
grand mask ball that she's counting so much on. They 
won't expect to see me there, but I'll surprise them a few. 
I've my dress all ready and it is a dandy. It is almost 
time for the party now, I suppose. Janet and Elize 
have been primping for the last hour, but my debut wdll 
be necessarily somewhat later than theirs. (Goes to L. 
as Elize enters B. in fancg dress, hut not masked) 

Elize: There's Dollie. How I hate that girl! My whole 
soul seems burning up with a desire to be revenged upon 
her milk-white prettiness. Elliot IMcDowell has scarcely 
looked at me since that scene in the garden and it is all 
due to her. (Pacing up and down) Oh, I can well 
understand how women tortured as I am have been 
driven to any means within their power to rid them- 
selves of a hated rival. I know too that my looks are 
suffering through all this misery, and that is laid up 
against you, too. IMiss Dollie. But I must calm myself, 
as the guests will soon be arriving. 



DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 27 

(Enhr ^Irs. Travers and Janet in cosfiDnes, but 
ivithoiit niasl's) 
Mrs. T.: Elize, darter, yew look pretty badly this evenin'. 
Ain't yew feelin' well? Hadn't yew better take a dose 
of bitters when ye go to bed? 
EhizE (stamping foot in a rage): Bitters! ^lother, IMother! 
Yon will drive me crazy. Can't yon ever learn to be 
like other people? I almost think if it were not for yon, 
Elliot McDowell wonld not have stopped coming to see 
me. Anyone can see the difference between onr bringing- 
np and Dollie's. Oh, I wish yon wonld stay ont of the 
room when he comes. 
Mrs. T. (heginning^to cry): Wa'al dear me, ef this don't beat 
all. Talkin' tew yer mother like this — her who's done 
everythin' she conld fer ye. Why, Elize, child, they 
han't nothin' I han't done fer ye an' (straightening up) 
let me say, dar — danghter, I may be ignorant as ye say, 
bnt I'm yer mother arter all an' ye ain't got no call 
tew talk ter me like that. An' jest let me tell ye that 
a gal that'll treat her own mother that's slaved an' 
dng fer her gals as ye know I hev fer yew when we 
hadn't nothin' to eat hardly, an' brought ye up right 
an' did fer ye — jest let me say there won't nothin' go 
right with ye, mark my words. The Lord won't prosper 
ye. I'm an old woman an' ignorant, I know, bnt I know 
enough to knoAV that a gal that treats her mother as you 
do me ain't a-goin' ter get along well in this world — 
Elize (who has been impatiently tapping her foot): There, 
that'll do, if you are done preaching I guess I'll go and 
finish my toilet. Janet, you had better watch out that 
mother cloesn 't offer some of our guests a dose of bitters. 
(Exit L.) 
]\1rs. T. {still crying): Janet, what's the matter with her? 
Janet: Why, Mother, can't you see? She is just crazy 
about Elliot INlcDowell. For some reason or other he 
has been cutting her lately, and it makes her furious. 
She connects Dollie with it in some way. I don't know 
what the matter is T am sure, but I tell you T would not 
want to be tlie siirl to get in Elize 's path. She has a 



28 DOLLY TRA\T:RS' IXHERITAXCE 

devilish mean disposition. I can remember a few in- 
stances in our childhood when she showed that mur- 
derous temper of hers, and I Ve steered clear of her ever 
since. Pshaw — what a fuss to make over a man ! There 
isn't one of the whole tribe I'd take as a gift. 

Mrs. T, (wiping her eyes): Wa'all don't know what to do. 
If I could get this here Elliot ^McDowell fer her I would 
I'm sure. 

Janet (laughing) : Yes, of course you would, Mother. 
That's just what makes her so cantankerous. But I 
guess we had better put on our masks and get out of 
sight as I see the guests are arriving. (They pass off L. 
Guests in fancy dress and wasl's appear in the ballroom. 
The orchestra p)lays dance music and the couples dance 
by opening or stroll into library. McDowell and Dollie, 
masked, stroll in and come np to corner R.) 

McDowell: Fair Goddess of the Night, why fiee so swiftly 
from a forlorn mortal who worships at your shrine? 

Dollie : Sir Knight, T am far from being a goddess. I am 
only a mortal like yourself, but a thousand times more 
forlorn. 

McDowell (aside):' Wb.o cnn she be? I have heard her 
voice before but can't tell where. (Aloud) I am loath 
to believe such a statement. Such fairy grace of move- 
ment must, methinks, belong to an ethereal being. But 
come, if fairies such as you can know fatigue, rest a 
moment in this secluded nook. (They seat themselves) 
And believe me, fair lady. I would give a good deal for 
a peep behind that mask. 

Dollie: Oho, Sir Knight! Treason in the ranks! (Shal-ing 
icand at hiw) You mxwA, play the game fairly. (^Elize 
strolls through on arm of partner, discovers them, stops 
as though looking at them an instant and then goes on) 

Dollie (rising): This party is a rare treat for me and I 
do not want to miss any of it. The music makes me 
wild to dance and i- think my partner must be looking 
for me too. 

McDowell: Your wish shall be mine, oh lady fair, but you 



DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 29 

do not know how anxiously I shall await the hour for the 
removal of the masks. 

DoLLiE: But, Sir Knight, perhaps ere that a friendly cloud 
will have wafted me hence, or, like Cinderella of Old, 
my pumpkin carriage may have borne me back to my 
fate with my cruel stepmother and her daughters, never 
more to be seen. (Runs center and returns to ballroom. 
He lingers a moment) 

McDowell (aside): Cinderella — stepmother — I have it, by 
Jove ! The little sister ! Ha, ha, she is certainly a peach. 
(Follows DoLLiE. other guests stroll by. ]\Irs. Travers 
and Janet come in and go to couch R., ]\Irs. Travers 
fanning herself. Enter Elize L. Comes \ip to others) 

Mrs. T. : Gals, I jest can't stand this thing on my face any 
longer. (Takes off mash irhile Elize and Janet are 
leatching the dancers) 

Janet (to ElizeJ.- Who in tlie world can that be in the 
black dress? I can't seem to place her at all, can j^ou? 
The man in the knight costume seems to pay her a lot 
of attention. Do vou know Elize, I think he is Elliot 
^McDowell. 

Elize (uneasily): Oh, I don't believe it is Elliot. 

Janet : Humph ! Looks like him. Where is he anyway '? 
I haven't seen anyone paying you any particular atten- 
tion this evening. 

Elize (sarcastically): Have you had to turn many part- 
ners away? 

Janet : 8h — sh — they are coming this Avay. It must be time 
to unmask. (Couples come in and group themselves on 
stage. IMcDowell and Dollie front L. opposite Mrs. 
Travers, Janet, and Elize. Tom center back, alone) 

Butler (entering center, comes front): Ladies and gentle- 
men will please remove their masks. 

(Guests unmask. Laughter and conversation) 

Janet and Elize (together): Why Dollie Travers! You 
here ? 

:McDowell (aside): The little sister! Thought I couldn't 
be mistaken. 



30 DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 

fToM starts forward hut draws hack as ]\IcDowell 
turns to DollieJ 

DoLLiE : Yes, my dear mother and sisters, inasmiieli as it 
lacked such a short time till my eighteenth birthday. I 
thought it no harm to come to a party in my own house, 
although you did dispense with the formality of an 
invitation. (Laughs) 

jMcDowell (aside): Plucky, by Jove! (To Dolliej ]\Iiss 
Dollie, I hardly think we need an introduction. We have 
met before have we not? 

Elize (aside to ]\Irs. Travers) : Mother, are you going to 
allow this? Will you see your own daughter insulted in 
this way? Send this little upstart about her business, 
or I warn you something will happen. I can not stand it. 

Janet (laughing): How can you help it? With Dollie and 
youth and beauty in the lists against you, what chance 
have you ? 

Elize ( choldngly ) : Janet, I — 

Mrs. T. : Law me, darters, quit yer fightin ' ! Some one '11 
hear ye. 

(The guests have hecn strolling ahout and hack to the 
hallroom. IMcDow^ell and Dollie also go up center 
to hallroom, followed hy Tom, icho is watching them) 

Janet (rising): Come, ]\Iother, I think the laws of hos- 
pitality require that we join our guests. You had better 
remain here, Elize, until you recover your usual beautiful 
composure. (They also go up center and exit. Elize 
sits with hands clenched. Servants hring in cups, saucers, 
dishes, and small tahles. Elize starts up and goes hur- 
riedly R. Servants finish tvork and retire. Elize re- 
enters R., husies herself ahout table, glancing from time 
to time toward hallroom. Takes hottle furtively from 
dress and puts something into one of the cups. Sits at 
table. Guests stroll in a feiu at a time. Dollie and 
McDowell, Mrs. Travers and Janet come to tahles. 
Servants hring food and pour coffee. All take cups. 
Elize watches Dollie and, when she comes toward tahle, 
hands her a cup. McDow^ell has heen watching Elize 
closely) 



DOLLY TR AVERS' INHERIT ANCl'] 31 

Elize (wiih forced rjaicfjj as sJir hands Dollie the cup): 
Here, Dollie, is your cup. It has just been poured and 
is nice and hot. Just a minute, ]\Ir. ^IcDowell, and I 
will hand you yours, too. 

IMcDowELL: AVhy, thank you, Miss Elize. You are very 
kind I am sure, but I have a fancy to change with Miss 
Dollie here. (TalHiicf cup from Dollie and looking hard 
at Elize) I am going to drink to IMiss Dollie 's health. 
(He raises cup slowly to his lips still looking at Elize, 
irho is standing transfixed with horror. As the cup 
reaches his lips, she gives a scream^ sirays toward him 
and falls, hut is caught hy Tom and laid on couch. As 
guests crowd around Elize, McDowell empties cup 
among ferns) 

]\Irs. T. (crying): Oh. Avhat ails her? Elize, speak to me! 
She ain't dead, is she? Oh— 

Janet: Hush, IMother, she is only a little faint. You know 
she has not felt well lately. 

]\Irs. T.: Yes, I know. An' ef that feller— 

Janet (aside): IMother, for Heaven's sake hush! Elize 
would never forgive you. See, she's coming to now. 
(Aloud) I think she is better. (To guests) Please 
don't let this disturb you any. My sister is subject to 
faint spells, but she is recovering now. If you will 
excuse us we will retire. (Taking Elize 's arm, they exit 
R. The guests how to ]\Irs. Travers and exit center. 
INIcDowell, who has heen conversing with Dollie in low 
tones L., hows low over her hand. Tom, who has heen 
standing center watching, makes gesture of disgust and 
goes out center. IMcDowell goes center hack, waves hand 
to Dollie as he goes- out. ]\Irs. Travers exit B. After 
all are gone Dollie crosses slowly and seats herself on 
couch) 

Dollie : Well, the party is over and life will settle back to 
its dull routine again. No more happy days for me. 
(Taking head in hands) In what darkened paths my feet 
are straying! This night closes my seventeenth year, 
and on the threshold of womanhood T have no bright 
dreams as other girls have. No "coming-out" party for 



32 DOLLY TRAVEPvS' IXHERITANCE 

me with beautiful gifts and clothes. I haven't a friend 
in the world except Elliot jMcDowell and his friendship 
has brought untold wrath upon my head. Never can I 
forget the look on Elize's face to-night at the refreshment 
table. I wonder if she really did love him. She seemed 
to be terribl}^ overcome — I'm almost sorry I did what I 
did, but I only wanted to tease her a little. I didn't 
think he would pay all his attention to me. Well, such 
things always come back on a person. I didn't gain 
anything by it, and I lost Tom's friendship. I'd give — 
yes I would — I'd give a hundred ]\IcDowells for Tom, 
but he won't look at me any more. (Getting tip and 
wall-ing around the room) How this room brings old 
memories back — my father ! Oh, my dear, kind father, 
do you know in what hard places your little girl's feet 
are traveling? Oh, if 3^our words would only come back 
to me. (Center front, Jianels clasping head) Night and 
day the thought haunts me. In my dreams I see this 
room — see myself here hunting, hunting and always, just 
as I am about to la.v my hands on the missing paper, I 
awake and everything is gone. Oh, if I only could 
remember his last words! (Goes ojf slowly to U., hand 
to head. Lights gymdiially lowered. McDo^vell enters 
stealthily at hack and creeps front) 
IMcDow^ELL (in a low voice): Well, Elliot, my boy, this is 
the first time in your checkered career that you have been 
a housebreaker. But I am determined to make a search 
for that will. Ever since I learned of the merciless perse- 
cution of little Dollie, I determined to find that document 
if it was in existence. By the aid of a friendly window 
here I am. That diabolical trick of Elize's to-night made 
me see that something must be done at once. Wonder 
how I ever thought of proposing to her. But now for 
the will and — Dollie ! Was there every such a cpy, 
mischievous bit of womankind before? I think a tre- 
mendous lot of that little girl and I intend to make her 
my wife — that is, if we find the will. Then I'll turn 
over a new leaf and make her the best kind of a husband. 
But this isn't finding it, and that is very essential. No 



DOLLY TRAVERS' TXTTKRTTAXCE 33 

love in a garret for ''yours truly" or for the fair little 
Dollie. That old desk over there is where she said she 
thought it was. ^^^onder what kind of a chap her old 
man was anyway. Queer old cuss to hide a thing away 
like that. (Is Jmnting around the desk ivliile talkinfj) 
Wish Dollie could remember where he said he put it. 
Not there — nor there — Danged if I can find it. 
Sh — h — some one coming as I'm a sinner. (Hides behind 
curtain and looks out. Dollie enters center hack. Walks 
slowly colter front, eyes staring straight before her, 
expressionless as in sleepwalking, hands held out before 
her) 
IMcDowELL : Dollie. as I live. Sleepwalking, by Jove, and 
going right to the desk. She'll find the will. 

(Dollie walks slowly down front, then over to desk. 
Sloifly reaches up and touches a concealeel spring. 
A drawer opens and she takes out long, folded paper. 
Turns, faces audience, comes slowly forward, stag- 
gers, clasping paper to breast, sighs, and sinks 
sloidy to floor. ]\IcDowell, who has been watching 
all, comes swiftly fonvard as she falls) 
IMcDo^vELL (bending over Dollie, who is still asleep): 
Brave little Dollie, you have come into your own at 
last. This must surely be the missing will. "What a 
heavenly face! Those lips — how sweet! (Straightens up 
suddenly) Elliot, you haven't fallen as lov.' as that, have 
you? Aren't beauty and innocence — helpless and alone 
— safe in your hands? How a man shudders when he 
gets a glimpse of his own baseness! God help me! I'll 
be a better man from this hour on. And if I ever do 
amount to anything I'll owe it all to you, little angel of 
innocence and light. But you surely can't lie there until 
morning, sweet one. If one of those hags should find 
you with that paper, it would not be safe an hour. What 
shall I do? I dare not waken her, for she would die of 
fright and mortification. I know — I'll lay her on the 
couch. There — And I '11 take charge of this. (Carefully 
slipping paper from her hanel anel putting it in liis 
pocket. He carries hrr to couch, lays her down, and 



34 DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 

covers her mth rug) Now, little one, sleep on. Your 
work is done. The days of your unhappy childhood are 
over and to-morrow's sun will shine on a new day — the 
day of a glorious womanhood. Good night — good night — 
(Soft music as he slowly backs off center) 

SLOW CURTAIN 



ACT IV 

Library of Travers home — same as Act I 

(Hans and Gretchen enter R., Gretchen dragging 
Hx\NS, ivho pretends not to ivant to come) 
Hans: Was ist mm? 

Gretchen (mocking him): "Was ist?" Vy don'd you de 
English spik? I dells you a dousand dimes alretty you 
must de English spik. (Hans makes gestures of not 
nnderstanding) 
Gretchen: Dn muss die English sprechen. 
Hans (laughing): Ja, Ja, Jetzt versteh Ich. 
Gretchen (angry) : Ja, Ja, immer Ja, Ja. I will ein school 
' haben. I will be the teacher. (Turning to Hans and 
pointing to herself) Leherinn! (Pointing to Hansj Du, 
scholar, Schiller. 
Hx\NS (delighted): Ja, Ja — 

GniETCiiEN (impatiently): Ja, Ja ! Say ''yes"!, (Gets book 
and seats herself at little table. Gets bell, rings it, and 
seats Hans in front of her like a scholar. He tries to 
take her hand and put arm around her, talking German 
which she pretends she does not understand) 
Gretchen: No, no! Spik English! I am English. 
(Proudly) I no understand Dutch. 

(Hans, with motions of despair, seats himself. She 
puts primer in his hand, shows him lesson, and 
laboriously reads) ''a, b, c, d" — 
Hans: Ja, ja, Ich weiss. (He rattles off the alphabet in 

German, Gretchen trying to stop him) 
Gretchen (in despair): Ach was fur einer dummer Esel. 
(Then goes over lesson laboriously again. Hans, at first 
yawning, drops head as if asleep. Gretchen, discovering 
Hans asleep, throws book down and shakes him. He 

35 



36 DOLLY TRAVER8' INHEKITANCE 

catches her around the ivaisf, lisses hey and makes her 
sit denim on seat ivitJi liini, facing front) 

Hans: Ach, meine Lieher, Ich liehe dich, Ich liehe dich. 

Gretchen: Ach, class ist aber sch'on. (Yields to his em- 
hrace) 

(DoLLiE enters center unseen j 

Gretchen (starting up): Ach it is late. I must vork. (She 
pushes Hans off R. in front of her wtiile lie tries to kiss 
her.) 

DoLLiE (coming front): Ah, happj^ Gretchen and Hans! 
Their troubles seem to be over, while mine are as deep 
as ever. This is my eighteenth birthday and I have 
insisted upon having my dresses a little longer at least. 
Somehow I feel as if something were going to happen 
to-day, and I am not going to allow myself to be un- 
happy. (She has walked hack to door in center and is 
looking out) Oh, there is IMr. ^McDowell ! Wonder what 
he wants. I'll run and meet him. (Enns off center^ hut 
immediately re-enters hanging on IMcDowell's arm. 
They come front laughing and talking as Elize enters B. 
She starts as she sees them, hut immediatehf recovers) 

Dollie (discovering Elize) : Oh, Elize, IMr. McDowell was 
telling me such a funny story nbout something that hap- 
pened to him when he was a little boy. (Laughing again) 
You must get him to tell it to you. 

Elize (patronizingly): Oh, indeed it nuist have been very 
funny, for you were both much engrossed by it. But 
Mr. IMcDowell, Avon't you sit down and tell it to me? 
(Seats herself on couch R.) And Dollie, won't you please 
do a little errand for me? I wish you would go to 
IMadame Fairabeau's and tell her to hurry with that 
gown she is making for me, as I want it for the Grovenor 
reception. (Fanning herself languidly) Hurry, child. 

Dollie (laughing): Why certainly, Elize, I shall be de- 
lighted to go for you. And I'll leave IMr. ^McDowell in 
your charge. Get him to tell you that funny story. 
(Looking hack mischievously at IMcDowell, she runs 
offL.) 

Elize (clasping hands): Oh, I\Ir. IMcDowell, I do so love 



DOLl.Y TTvAVKKS' IXIIERTTAXCE 37 

luimorons stories, f Fixing cusliions on couch) T don't 
think we have half enough humor in pur lives, do you? 
^IcDowELL (ivlio has been making signs of impatience and 
looking out after Dollie); I — ah — T beg your pardon. 
What, eh — what did you say? (Using eye glass) 

Elize: I said that I did not think we had enough humor in 
our daily lives — 

^McDowell (asiele): The old eat! I wonder if she saw any 
humor in the situation last night? 

Elize : Come sit down. do. (He sits gingerly beside her) 
]\Ir. ^McDowell, what has come between you and me? 
(Looking down and toying trith fan) We used to be 
such good friends, but, somehow during these last two 
or three weeks I — we — 

McDowell (aside): I'll let her know what's come between 
us in a minute. (Aloud) Why — I — don't know, IMiss 
Elize— 

Elize (in a low voice): It used to be ''Elize." 

jMcDowell: Oh, I hardly think I could have been so impo- 
lite as that. By the way, are you entirely recovered from 
your illness of last evening? (Elize starts) It seemed 
rather strange that you should have been attacked just 
as I was about to drink the coffee which you had just 
given to Dollie. (Elize shudders and then looks at him 
in a stupefied manner^ as he takes something from his 
pocket) Here, by the way, is some property of yours 
that I took from a tramp. Jack IMugwump. I found him 
in the garden disguised as a lace peddler. (Elize starts 
again) Here. (Handing her the ring and looking 
steadily at her) And I would advise you, ]\Iiss Elize, 
(rising) in the future to have nothing to do with such 
suspicious characters. And now as I have an important 
engagement, I must leave you. (Exit L. bowing. Elize 
collapses shuddering on couch, then starts up as though 
in agony) 

Elize : He knows, he knows, and I have lost him forever. 
Oh, how wretched I am ! (Exit R. sobbing) 
(IMcDowELL enters cautiously L.) 

McDowell: Well, the coast is clear again. I wonder wlien 



38 DOJ;JA' aRAVERS' INHERITANCE 

DoUie will be back. She is the most provoking little 
minx. There was no necessity of her going on that 
errand, though it did give me the chance I have been 
looking for to settle things with Elize. I don't think she 
will bother me again. Dollie is a flower of a different 
color, and I fancy I'll not have an easy time w'ith her. 
(Taking tvill from pocket) But, I have this all safe at 
any rate, and I am sure by the number of seals upon it 
that it is legal and shipshape. (Reads) "Last Will and 
Testament of George Travers." Won't there be some 
surprise when this turns up? Wish I knew just wdiat 
it said, but of course everything must be Dollie 's. 
(Dollie heard singing center) 

Dollie (sings): "What's so fair as a day in June." 

]\lcDowELL : Oh, I know something a great deal fairer than 
that, Dollie. 

Dollie (starting): Oh, von here yet! Where's Elize, Mr. 
McDowell ? 

McDowell: Mister IMcDowell ! Why so formal always, 
Dollie? I have known you for some time now, but you 
always keep me at arm's length. What's the matter? 
AA^hy do you keep me at such a distance ? 

Dollie (looking up at Mm and laughing mischievonslij) : 
Why you see it is quite a distance from me clear up 
to you. 

McDowell (bending down quickhj): Well, I can make the 
distance much shorter — now do yon see? 

Dollie (starting hack): Oh — I — 

McDowell (laughing): I had you that time. But seriously, 
why can't we be friends — nay, more than friends? 
(They have come front and he tries to take her hand) 

Dollie (drawing away): Why, I — ^you — why I don't under- 
stand. 

McDowell: Not understand? You surely must know what 
my intentions have meant, the last few weeks. Why, 
Dollie — little Dollie — I w^ant you for my wife. 

DcLLiE: Oh, you can't mean it. Such a little insignificant 
thing as I am, ]Mr. IMcDowell — 



DOIJ.Y TRAVEUS' 1N11KK1TAN( K ;j» 

McDowell: Now Dollie, don't say "Mr. :\rcDoweir' again. 
Can't you say ''Elliot" for my sake? But say "yes" 
anyway, for I do mean it. 

Dollie (half crying): Oh, I can't! And you — you have 
been so good to me, too. AVhy — why couldn't we just 
be friends, like we have been? 

McDowell: Of course we'll be friends — the very best kind 
of friends, but why can not we be lovers too, Dollie? 
Say— 

Dollie : Oh, I can't. (Almost crying) And you have been 
so good to me too. But I know I don't love you in that 
way. 

McDowell (much moved): Oh Dollie, don't say that. 

Dollie : Oh, I'm so sorry. And you are the only friend I 
have too. (Crying) Ever since Tom left me you have 
been so good that I — 

McDow^ELL (starting): Tom! Who's he? 

Dollie: Why Tom Deering. Don't you remember I told 
you that he used to be my only friend until you came. 
Then he just got mad and left me. (Sobbing) 

McDowell (aside): Hm — m — that's how the land lies. To 
be outwitted by a mere boy ! (Aloud) Well Dollie, don't 
cry, dear. If you are sure that you can't love me I sup- 
pose I must bend to your decision. But it is hard — 
terribly hard — 

Dollie: Oh don't! (Laying her ]ia)ids in liis) I feel so 
wicked. And I'm losing all my friends — 

McDowell: No, no, I'll always be that I hope. And now, 
little girl, cheer up! I've something to say to you. 
Didn't you tell me that to-day was your eighteenth birth- 
day ? Well, in this state you are of legal age now and 
can transact business. The matter of your inheritance 
must be settled. I have your interests too much at heart 
to leave you in this unpleasant situation any longer, 
especially as I shall leave town very soon. 

Dollie (crying): Oh, are you going to leave me too? Oh, 
what shall I do? 

INIcDowELL (hoarsely): Hush dear. Don't you see how hard 



40 DOLLY TRAVER8' INHERITANCE 

this all is for me? I love you, child, as I never hoped 
to love a mortal being, and it would be impossible to 
stay here with no hope of ever making you mine. 

DoLLiE : But you know I '11 be your friend — your sister— 

McDowell (roughly): Oh, you don't understand. I want 
no sister's love. But there, there, little DoUie — let's say 
no more about it. I do believe you are such a child at 
heart that you can not understand a great passion when 
you see it. My only hope is that some good man will get 
you. And meanwhile I want this will question settled. 
I want you to send immediately for your father's lawyer, 
]\Ir. Seymour, and summon your stepmother and sisters. 
I shall be back shortly and I think matters can soon be 
settled. And now comes the hardest part — I must say 
good-bye to you, little Dollie — -sweetheart, as I had hoped 
to call 3^ou. For you and I will never meet ciuite like 
this again. (Taliing her hands and drawing her te) him) 
I want to sa3^ little girl, that knowing you has made a 
better man of me — 

Dollie (dratving hack): Oh, how can you say that j\Ir. 
McDowell? (At a reproachful look from him) Elliot — ■ 
I — I have been a despicable little sneak, it seems to me. 
I never can think of that day in the garden without 
blushing — 

McDowell: And I can never think of it without a feeling of 
joy because it was the first time I ever saw your sweet 
face. (Giving her a long look) And now it will stay 
in my memory forever. (Sighing) But this isn't busi- 
ness. Now do as I say and — good-bj^e my darlings 
good-bye. (Bending^ he kisses her on the forehead and 
exits L. Dollie throtvs herself sohhing on the couch) 

Dollie: Oh, why couldn't I love him? And yet what do I 
know about love? (Laughing mirthlessly) I believe what 
he said was true — I've been so starved for love since 
Father died that I don't know the real article when I 
see it. Certainly Tom Deering has not bothered me much 
with his friendship of late. (Sadly) "Well, I suppose, 
as I have said before, I shall have to fashion m^^ life 
without friends. But this is not attendinsr to the business 



DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 41 

. Mr. McDowell spoke of — I suppose I had better call up 
Mr. Seymour. (Goes to telephone and while she is codl- 
ing Tom comes in center hack and listens) 

DOLLIE: Central! Please give me 244-L — Hello — Is this ]\Ir. 
Seymour's office? — Will you call him, please? — Hello, is 
this Mr. Seymour? — This is Dollie Travers — Yes — Dollie 
— Dollie Travers — I would like to see you on business 
here as soon as it is convenient — Yes, I am at home — ^You 
know the place, of course — Yes — Well then, I may expect 
you in about half an hour — Very well, good-bye. (Hangs 
up receiver) 

Tom (coming forward): Hello, Dollie — 

Dollie (screams) : Oh ! Tom Deering ! — What do you want 
to scare a person half to death for ? 

Tom: That's a nice welcome to give a fellow. 

Dollie: What kind of. a w^elcome do you deserve? Where 've 
you been all this time? I've needed you just awfully — 

Tom': Needed me? I like that! Haven't I seen you around 
wdth that dude of a IMcDowell all the time? He was 
off with the old love and on with the new pretty quick, 
w^asn't he? 

Dollie (stamping foot): Tom Deering you just keep still! 
I'd have you know that you are talking about the best 
friend I ever had. 

Tom : Fine friend he is ! 

Dollie : Well he is — or was, rather ! He 's gone now. (Half 
crying) It's wean, it is. to talk about a man that's gone 
and can't defend himself. 

ToM: Gone! You don't mean that he's left town? 

Dollie: No, not yet— but he's going to. 

Tom (coming closer): What do you mean, Dollie? What's 
he going away for? I— I thought he— well— he and 
vou — 

Dollie: Well, what did you think? I don't think you have 
much right to think anything about me at all, the way 
you have been treating me. But I don't mind telling 
yQ^^ I_I sent him away I guess. Anyway he said— 

ToM^ (eagerly) : Yes, yes what did he say— 



42 DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 

DoLLiE: "Well, he said — ■ (Hesitating, and in a low voice) 
— that he couldn't stay if I — didn't marry him. 

Tom (hoarsely): And, you — 

DoLLiE (impatienthj): Oh, you stupid boy, can't you see? 
I don't love him that way, so of course I had to send 
him away. 

Tom : Oh Dollie! (Grasping her hands) That's the best 
news I've had in many a day. You can't know what 
I've felt. He is a man — and rich, I suppose — and, as 
you say, I'm only a boy. But what there is of me is 
yours, Dollie — to do with as you please. Why I love 
you so that I couldn't stay around while he was — 

Dollie : AVhat — what did you say? Tom, you love me — 
Dollie Travers ! (A great light breaking over her face) 
Oh, now I see why I couldn't love him. It was you all 
the time. Oh Tom, what is it? (Putting hands to 
breast) It aches so in here — as if my heart would burst — 
This — this is love. Oh Tom, Tom — (Holding out hands 
to him) — I'll never be lonely and friendless again — ■ 
Oh — (Sways toward him. He takes her in his arms) 

Tom (kissing her): Oh Dollie, this is too good to be true. 
I'll probably wake up soon and see McDowell talking to 
you again. 

DoLLiE: Don't think of it again! I never thought of him 
in any way but as a friend. And Tom, I feel as if he 
has done more for me than I shall ever know. There 
was something about that time last night at the mask 
ball — when Elize fainted, you know — that I never under- 
stood. I felt some way as though he was shielding me 
from something. Anyway he has shown a great interest 
in my affairs and has helped me in a great many ways. 
It was at his suggestion that I summoned Mr. Seymour 
here to-day. You laiow it is my eighteenth birthday, 
and we are going to try to settle this matter of my 
inheritance. Come, let's go out in the garden and watch 
for Mr. Seymour. 

Tom : Wait a minute, Dollie. (Catching her left hand and 
examining her fingers) Can you imagine what I shall 
get you for a birthday present? (Catches her and kisses 



DOIJA' TRAVERS' INHERITANCE 43 

her again. She runs laughing and remonstrating up 
center. Exit C. followed hij Tom. Enter Mrs. Travers, 
Janet and Elize Ji.) 

Janet: Well, I wonder what this neAv move of Dollie's is 
anyway. I haven't time to waste around here. (Looks 
at watch and paces restlessly up and down) 

Elize : Oh, Janet, do keep still ! You tire me so — 

Janet (impatiently) : Oh, you're always tired now. 

Mrs. Travers : Law, darters, don't fight. (Sniffling and 
looking at Elize) Ma^^be the good Lord will see fit to 
seperate ye an' then heow bad ye'd feel. (Crying into 
handkerchief) 

Elize : Oh, ]\Iother, keep still ! Goodness knows. I 'd be 
only too glad if He would remove me from this scene of 
earthly joys. (Sarcastically) 

Janet : Why Elize, how you talk ! I wonder something 
doesn't happen to you. I should think Elliot ]\IcDowell 
w^ould feel flattered to see you pining away for him. 

Elize : Oh, he's too much taken up with Dollie to notice 
me. But I do wish this business, whatever it is, could 
be soon done with. I shall have to go to bed. (Weardy) 

Janet: Oh, I lose all patience with you! Are you. going 
to become a confirmed invalid just because you were 
jilted by Elliot McDowell? I'd like to see any man that 
could — 

Mrs. T.: Gals, gals, don't quarrel neow! (Enter Gretchen 
L. ivith card which she hands to Mrs. T. She peers at 
it, and then gets out spectacles to try to read it again. 
Meanwhile Elize has motioned Gretchen to help her to 
lie down on couch, arranging rug, etc. Janet gives her 
an impatient look, and then snatches the card from her 
mother's hand) 

Janet (reads): ]\Lnurice Seymour, Esq.! AVhat's he coming 
here for? I wonder if it's something about this wretched 
will again ? 

Elize (rousing): The will again? I thought that was 
settled. 

Janet: It seems it isn't. (To Gretchen) Well show him 
in. 



44 DOLLY TrxAVP:RS' INHERITANCE 

Mrs. T. (peering at card): Law, me — I — 

Janet: Now, Mother, you just keep still and let me do the 
talking. You'll only expose your ignorance. 

(Gretchen shows Mr. Seymour in. Hans follows cau- 
tiously hehind Gretchen. SJie sees him and when 
she comes hack takes him hy the arm and pushes 
him out in front of her L.) 

Mr. Seymoi^r: Good day, ladies, ^Irs. Travers, how do you 
do? (Shaking hands) And Miss Elize, you are looking 
rather pale this morning. And IMiss Janet, busy as ever 
I suppose. (Looking around) But where is Dollie? 

Janet: She hasn't come in yet, but — er — Mr. Seymour — 

Mr. S. : Well, my dear, what is it ? 

Janet : Well — To what do we owe the pleasure of this visit ? 

Mr. S. : Now I like that. Can't an old friend come to see 
you without his motives being in question ? 

Mrs. T. : Yes, yes. Law me, heow yeou talk, Janet ! Hev 
ye ben tew lunch, Mr. Seymour? (Bustling up to him) 

Mr. S. : Oh yes, ]\Irs. Travers, thank you. (Enter Dollie 
and Tom center) Oh, here she is now ! Well Dollie, 
child, how do you do? (She rushes up to him., holding 
out hanels) Almost a young lady, eh? Eighteen to-day 
are you not? 

Dollie : Yes, Mr. Seymour, but how did you remember it? 

Mr. S. : Oh, my dear, I was too well acquainted with your 
father not to remember the birthday of his only child. 
But Dollie, Miss Janet was just asking me the object 
of my visit here to-day, and for an answer I shall have 
to refer her to you, as you sent for me. 

Janet and Elize (together): You, Dollie! 

Mrs. T. : Law me, Dollie— 

Dollie (addressing them all): Yes, ]\Irs. Travers — Mother, 
Janet and Elize, I sent for ]\Ir. Seymour to-day, 
(Gretchen sJwivs McDowell in L.) that we might 
arrange some matters in regard to the estate of my 
father. You do not realize, perhaps, that I am eighteen 
years old to-day, and am no longer a child, to be treated 
as such. 



DOJJ.Y TRAV1^:FvS' IXJIKRITAXCE 45 

McDowell: It was at my reciiiest that ]\Iiss Dollie arranged 
this meeting'. 

(Mrs. Travers, Elize, and Janet show astonishment. 
Tom, who has been standing hack, center, takes his 
place at Dollie 's side. Gretciten is standing L. 
and Han8 noiv comes cautiously in and stands beside 
her. She motions him to silence) 

McDowell (coming front): Yes, I have a document to pre- 
sent before you. IMr. Seymour, will you make the con- 
tents of this paper known? 

Janet and Elize (together): The will! 

Dollie: My father's will! Oh, Mr. McDowell, where did 
you find it ? 

Mr. S. (examining paper. All crowd around — ]\Ir. S., Tom, 
Dollie, and ]McDowell center — Mrs. Travers, Janet, 
and Elize R. — Hans and Gretchen extreme L.) : Yes, 
this is the last will and testament of George Travers. I 
drew it up myself, and I assure you it is correct, wit- 
nesses and all. I knew it would come to light some day. 
]\Ir. Travers was peculiar and thought it safer in his 
own keeping than with me. Death, came upon him^ so 
suddenly that he did not have time to apprise me of its 
whereabouts. 

Dollie: But he did tell me — ^Dear papa — (Weeping) But 
I never could remember where he said he put it. Only 
sometimes in dreams it would come back to me, but by 
morning every impression would be gone. IMr. McDowell, 
where did you find it? 

McDowell: Well, my dear ]\Iiss Dollie I don't know as I 
shall tell you. (Sadly) I had hoped to do so some time, 
but now all my plans are changed and I think you will 
have to let the mystery of the missing will remain a 
mystery still. It is all correct is it not, ]\Ir. Seymour? 

I\Ir. S. (who has been examining paper): Yes, it is correct 
in every particular. 

Dollie: But, Mr. McDowell, where— 

Elize (.sarcastically): Dollie, don't you think we might dis- 
pense with these reminiscences of yours and IMr. ^Ic- 



46 DOLLY TRAVER8' INHERITANCE 

Dowell's until we learn the contents of this document 
which has so mysteriously come to light ? 

Janet: Yes, Mr. Seymour, read it please — and get it over 
as soon as possible. We are beggars I suppose. 

Mr. S. : Well, it won 't take a great time to read it that 's 
certain. (Reads) ''Last AAall and Testament of George 
Travers. — I, George Travers, being of sound mind, do 
make this will and testament and by it all other wills 
or testaments heretofore made by me are declared null 
and void. To my wife, Mehitable Travers, I do devise 
and bequeathe the sum of ten thousand dollars. To my 
beloved daughter, Dorothy, I do bequeathe the residue 
of my estate and all properties of which I die possessed, 
to be hers and hers alone, subject to no conditions what- 
ever. George Travers 
Witnesses : 

Martha Kreutzer 
William Berger'' 

Elize: Just as I expected. 

Janet : Well, Dollie you have your rights at last. I always 
told ]\Iother that you'd come out on the top of the heap. 

Mrs. T. : Law me, Dollie, I always knew your pa set a power 
o' store by ye. An' it ain't more'n nateral, ye bein' his 
own child. 

JxVNET: There' there. Mother, you've said enough. You'd 
better be thinking of your own children who are left 
without a penny. 

Elize (rising): Well, Dollie, I congratulate you on the suc- 
cess of all your schemes. I suppose you and Mr. 
McDowell are to be congratulated also. — Come, IMother 
and Janet, I am afraid we are sadly "de trop" in this 
happy family. 

Dollie (impulsively): No — Oh no, do not feel that way! — 
Eliza, Janet, Mother — I am sure I want you all. 
Stay here — and if you can only love me a little, Ave may 
all be happy together. 

Elize (sarcastically): Thanks, awfully. 

Mrs. T. : There, darters, I always told ye she was a good 
little thing, but ye wouldn't believe it. 



DOl.LY TKAVERS' INHERITANCE 47 

Janet (scornfully): Yes, Mother, we always knew you loved 
Dollie. Why Mr. Deering, how do you do ? It is quite 
a while since you have favored us with your society. 
Have Dollie 's new charms added such a luster to her 
glory that you have come back also? Dollie, you are 
favored. 
Tom (aside): Spiteful old cat! (Aloud, to Dollie) Shall 

I tell. them, Dollie? 
Dollie: Yes, I suppose so, but they won't be glad. I've 

no one to be glad for me. 
Tom : Oh, you know you have me. 

McDowell and IMr. S.' (together): What's this we hear? 
Mr. S. (looking at Tom and Dollie) : Well, this looks rather 

suspicious. Are we to offer congratulations? 
Dollie (confused): I— yes— we— Oh, Tom you tell them 

I can't! 
Tom : Yes sir, you may. And although I am only a boy I 've 
won the prize and shall do my best to appreciate it. 
Allow me — eh— to introduce you to the future Mrs. Tom 
Deering — (Takes Dollie 's hand) 
Mrs. T. : Law me — 
Janet and Elize (together): Well, I never — 

(Mr. Seymour and IMr. IMcDowell shake hands with 
Tom and Dollie. Gretchen and Hans come up to 
Dollie and Tom J 
Gretchen: Ach Fraulein Dollie, you haf one schatz, sweet- 
hard, now. You will not any more cry. I cry not any 
more now because mein lieber Hans is here. 
Dollie (taking her hands): Yes, dear Gretchen, I hope my 

troubles are over as well as yours. 
IMr. S.: Well, well, little Dollie, this is rather sudden, but 
you never can tell what a woman will do. I wish you 
every happiness I am sure. 
IMcDowELL : And so IMr. Deering turns out to be the fairy 
prince for our little Cinderella jiere. And since he is 
the choice of your heart, my little friend, I wish you 
both all the good luck possible in your journey through 
life. 
Dollie : And we — Tom and I — will never forget how nuich 



48 DOLLY TRAVERS' INHERITAXCE 

we owe to you, for it was through your efforts that the 
long lost will came to light. How everything has 
changed! Oh, I know we are going to be very, very 
happy from this day on. 

(Tom and Dollie are center, hands clasped. Mr. Sey- 
mour on their right, ]\IcDo\a^ll on their left, Mrs. 
Travers and daughters extreme B., and Hans and 
Gretchen extreme LJ 

CURTAIN 



PLAYS 



There is a growing tendency to make the Friday after- 
noon literary exercises correlate with, and grow out of 
the actual work of the school as far as possible. There 
is also a demand for short, sensible, educative plays, suit- 
able for such occasions. We offer the following: 

THE MISER OF RAVELOE. Based upon George 
Eliot's novel, Silas Marner. An attempt to represent in 
dramatic form a few of the most striking incidents of that 
story. Plannea and written by the members of the sec- 
ond-year class of the Cairo (Illinois) High School. Time, 
one hour and a half, or may be prolonged, by pantomine 
and songs as suggested, to two hours. Price, 25 cents. 

THE BLACK KNIGHT. For eighth grade. Grammar 
School, and First Year High School. Pharaphrased fro^n 
Scott's Ivanhoe and presented in the Westport, Conn., 
schools. 

Presents Scott's Ivanhoe splendidly as a review- 
and intensely interesting as a play upon its merits, with- 
out a knowledge of Ivanhoe. Time, one hour. Price, 
25 cents. 

THE PROBLEM OF RHETORICALS, LITERARY 
EXERCISES AND CLASS PROGRAMS. 

Much of the work done under the above head is, to 
say the least, not satisfactory from an educational point 
of view. The time is to a large extent wasted. 

We offer a set of programs on an entirely new plan, 
Practical Educational Programs for Literary Societies and 
Rhetorical Exercises, by Christianna Spencer, High 
School, Spring Valley, IVIinn. 

Among the many programs, a number will be found 
making splendid outlines for essays, composition work, 
debates and general assistance in history and exercises in 
rhetoric. 

31 Programs. Price, 25 cents. 

We have a full line of all material for school entertain- 
ments. Ask for Entertainment Catalogue. 



A. FLANAGAN COMPANY, CHICAGO 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

llillililillllillllllililiiiii 

016 215 212 9 



Suggestive Essays 
and Orations 



By CHARLES READE. For Commencement and other 
occasions. A new edition, entirely revised, rewritten and 
reset. This volume contains over fifty essays and orations 
on all subjects, and for all occasions, together with a 
choice collection of salutatories, valedictories, class songs, 
class mottoes, (both English and I^atin), and a brief 
treatise on how to speak in public, This last is an im- 
portant feature of the book. Its aim is not as a text book 
in elocution, but as a practical help for the student who 
has never before spoken in public and desires to make a 
creditable showing. A chapter on how to make com- 
mencement successful has also been added with the hope 
that it may prove of much benefit to teachers handling 
this difficult problem. The book contains matter for 
Grammar Schools, High Schools and Colleges. It is the 
best and most complete work on the subject published. 
Printed from large new tj'pe, on good paper. 

224 pages. Cloth. Price, $1.00 

CONTENTS 

FOR. COMMENCEMENT 

Salutatories: For Grammar School, High School and College 
Valedictories: For Grammar School, High School and College, and three Valedictory Poems 




Class History 
Class Poem 
Two Class Prophecieg 
Class Will 



The Oration 



Three Class Songs 
A President's Address 
A Farewell Address 
Address to Graduates 

ON ORATORY 

The Orator 
Selected Subjects (one hundred) 

FOR SPE,CIAL DAYS 

The Union Soldier 
The Soldier Boy 



Class Mottoes (over fifty) 
Class Yell 

How to Make Commence- 
ment Successful 



Parts of an Oration 



Our National Holidays The Union Soldier A Tribute to Our Honored 

Abraham Lincoln The Soldier Boy Dead 

Birthday of Washington Independence Day 

ESSAYS. ORATIONS AND ADDRE,SSES 
Forty-six of them in all. We mention a few: 



America a World Power 

Americanism 

America's Coming Great- 
ness 

Books 

Education 

Expansion 

Immortality of GoodDeeds 

I,abor and Capital 

Material Wealth of Uncle 
Sam 



Men : Made, Self Made and 
Unmade 

Mental Wealth of Uncle 

Modern Fiction [vSam 

MoralWealth of UncleSam 

Municipal Reform 

New Era in Higher Edu- 
cation 

New Opportunities in a 
New Age 

Our Country 



Power and Aim 
progress of Humanity 
Pursuit of Happiness," The 
Success in Life 
True Greatness 
True Socialism, The 
UncleSam: His Character 
Uses of Education for Busi- 
ness 
Value of Reputation 
Wealth. Etc., Etc. 



A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 



- CHICAGO 



